Suffolk County is looking for ways to combat summer pests like mosquitoes and ticks more effectively this summer.

The county won a battle with the state Department of Environmental Conservation that allows it to spray mosquito larvicide Methoprene on state wetlands, as it does in other parts of the county.

Critics contend the chemical does damage to the environment. Peconic Baykeeper Kevin McAllister says fisherman have reported spikes in dead crabs after Methoprene is sprayed.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Humayun Chaudhry says the amount of the chemical used is so minimal, that as long as guidelines are followed, the spraying should not pose a danger.

The county is also involved in an experimental program aimed at lowering the tick population. The idea is to attract deer to stations that are set up with paint rollers laced with tickicide. The deer are lured by corn, which they then feed on and their heads push against the roller.

Fifty-three stations are set up on Shelter Island and several can be found on Fire Island. Data will be evaluated over the next few years to see if the stations help lower the tick population.

Click for more on the experimental tick program

Click for more protecting yourself from ticks

CDCMayo ClinicMedlinePlusAmerican Lyme Disease FoundationNassau County Department of HealthSuffolk County Mosquito Control PlanCDC West Nile VirusNationalPesticide Information CenterSuffolk County Dead Bird Hotline - (631)787-2200Nassau County Dead Bird Hotline - 1-866-537-2473